Electricity notes

Current

Current = Charge/Time ⇒ I = Q/T

• Current (I): The rate of flow of charge is called current.

⇒ 1 A = 1 Cs-1
S. I. unit of current = Ampere (A)

⇒ 1 mA = 10-3 A
⇒ 1 µA = 10-6 A

Current is measured by Ammeter. Its symbol is

→ Ammeter has low resistance and always connected in series.

→ Direction of current is taken opposite to flow of electrons as electrons were not known at
the time when the phenomenon of electricity was discovered first and current was considered
to be flow of positive charge.

Ohm’s Law

Potential difference across the two points of a metallic conductor is directly proportional to
current passing through the circuit provided that temperature remains constant.

V∝I
• Mathematical expression for Ohm’s law

⇒ V = IR

→ R is a constant called resistance for a given metal.

• V-I graph for Ohm’s law

• Resistance (R): It is the property of a conductor to resist the flow of charges through it.

• Ohm (Ω): S. I. unit of resistance.

• 1 ohm = 1 volt/1ampere

→ When potential difference is 1 V and current through the circuit is 1 A, then resistance is 1
ohm.

• Rheostat: Variable resistance is a component used to regulate current without changing the
source of voltage.

Resistors in Series

→ When two or more resistors are connected end to end, the arrangement is called series
combination.

Total/resultant/overall/effective resistance in series

R s = R1 + R2 + R3

→ Current through each resistor is same.

→ Equivalent resistance is larger than the largest individual resistance.

→ Total voltage = Sum of voltage drops

V = V1 + V 2 + V 3

• Voltage across each resistor

• V1 = IR1
• V2 = IR2 [V1 + V2 + V3 = V]
• V3 = IR3V = IR

⇒ V = IR1 + IR2 + IR3

∝ IR = I(R1 + R2 + R3)
∝ R = R 1 + R2 + R3
Resistors in Parallel

→ Voltage across each resistor is same and equal to the applied voltage.

→ Total current is equal to sum of currents through the individual resistances.

⇒ V/R = V/R1 + V/R2 + V/R3

• I = I1 + I2 + I3

→ Reciprocal of equivalent resistance is equal to sum of reciprocals of individual resistances.

1/Rp = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3

→ Equivalent resistance is less than the value of the smallest individual resistance in the
combination.

Advantages of Parallel Combination over Series Combination

(i) In series circuit, when one component fails, the circuit is broken and none of the
component works.
(ii) Different appliances have different requirement of current. This cannot be satisfied in
series as current remains same.
ii) The total resistance in a parallel circuit is decreased.

Heating Effect of Electric Circuit

→ If an electric circuit is purely resistive, the source of energy continually get dissipated
entirely in form of heat. This is known as heating effect of electric current.

As E = P×T ∝ VIt {E = H}
Heat produced, H = VIt {V = IR}
Or, Heat produced, H = I2Rt

Joule’s Law of Heating Effect of Electric Current

→ It states that the heat produced in a resistor is (i) directly proportional to square of current,
H ∝ I2
→ It is directly proportional to resistance for a given current, H ∝ R

→ It is directly proportional to time for which current flows through the conductor, H ∝ t.
So, H = I2Rt

→ Heating effect is desirable in devices like electric heater, electric iron, electric bulb,
electric fuse, etc.

→ Heating effect is undesirable in devices like computers, computer monitors (CRT), TV,
refrigerators etc.

→ In electric bulb, most of the power consumed by the filament appears a heat and a small
part of it is radiated in form of light.

• Filament of electric bulb is made up of tungsten because:

(i) it does not oxidise readily at high temperature.

(ii) it has high melting point (3380º C).
→ The bulbs are filled with chemically inactive gases like nitrogen and argon to prolong the
life of filament.

• Electric Fuse: It is a safety device that protects our electrical appliances in case of short
circuit or overloading.
Fuse is always connected in series with live wire.

→ Fuse has low melting point.

→ Current capacity of fuse is slightly higher than that of the appliance.

• Electric Power: The rate at which electric energy is consumed or dissipated in an electric
circuit.

P = VI
⇒ P = I2R = V2/R

S.I. unit of power = Watt (W)

⇒ 1 Watt = 1 volt × 1 ampere

→ Commercial unit of electric energy = Kilo Watt hour (KWh)

⇒ 1 KWh = 3.6 × 106 J
⇒ 1 KWh = 1 unit of electric energy

Answer The Following Question.

1. What does an electric circuit mean?

An electric circuit is a continuous and closed path of an electric current. If the

electric circuit complete, current can flow through the circuit.
2. Define the unit of current.
SI unit of electric current is Ampere. Current is said to be 1 ampere, if 1 coulomb
charge flows per second across a cross-section of conductor.

3. Calculate the number of electrons constituting one coulomb of charge.

Charge on one electron = 1.6 x 10-19 coulomb.

No of electron in one coulomb of charge = 1/1.6 x 10-19

= 6.25 x 1018

4. Name a device that helps to maintain a potential difference between across

a conductor. Solution : Battery

5. What is meant by saying that the potential difference between two points is
1 v?

The potential difference between two points is said to be 1 volt, if 1 joule of work is
to be done for moving charge of 1 coulomb from one point to another.

6. How much energy is given to each coulomb of charge passing through a 6-

volt battery?

Potential difference (V) = 6 V

Charge (Q) = 1 C

Energy = total work done (W) = Q x V = 1×6 = 6 joule.

7. On what factor does the resistance of a conductor depend?

The resistance of a conductor depends upon the following factors:

(a) Length of the conductor (b) Cross-sectional area of the conductor
(c) Material of the conductor (d) Temperature of the conductor

8. Will current flow more easily through a thick wire or a thin wire of the same
material, when connected to the same source? Why?

The current flows more easily through a thick wire as compared to thin wire of the
same material, when connected to the same source. It is due to the reason that
resistance increases with decrease in thickness.
9. Let the resistance of an electric component remains constant while the
potential difference across the two ends of the component decreases to half of
its former value. What change will occur in the current through it?

It is given that resistance R of the electrical component remains constant but the
potential difference across the ends of the component decreases to half of its value.

Hence, as per Ohm’s law, new current also decreases to half of its original value.

10. Why are coils of electric toasters and electric irons made of an alloy rather
than a pure metal?

Coils of electric toasters and electric irons are made of an alloy due to the following
reasons:

(i.) Resistivity of an alloy is generally higher than that of pure metal.

(ii.) At high temperature, an alloy does not oxidize readily. Hence, coil of an alloy has
longer life.

11. Use the data in Table 12.2 to answer the following:

(a) Which among iron and mercury is a better conductor?

(b) Which material is the best conductor?

Solution

(a) Resistivity of iron = 10.0×10−8Ωm

Resistivity of mercury =94.0×10−8Ωm

Resistivity of mercury is more than that of iron. This implies that iron is a better
conductor than mercury.

(b) It can be observed from Table 12.2 that the resistivity of silver is the lowest
among the listed materials. Hence, it is the best conductor.

12. Draw a schematic diagram of a circuit consisting of a battery of three cells

of 2 V, each, a 5 Ώ resistor, 8 Ώ resistors and a 12 Ώ and a plug key, all
connected in series.
Solution : The schematic diagram of circuit is as follows:

13. Redraw the circuit of question 1, putting in an ammeter to measure the

current through the resistors and a voltmeter to measure the potential
difference across the 12 Ώ resistors. What would be the reading in the
ammeter and voltmeter?

Solution :

Here ammeter A has been joined in series of circuit and voltmeter V is joined in
parallel to 12 ohms’ resistor.

Total voltage of battery V = 3×2 = 6 V.

Total resistance R = R1+ R2+ R3 = 5 Ω +8 Ω +12 Ω = 25 Ω

Ammeter reading (current) = I = V/R = 6/25 = 0.24 A.

Voltmeter reading = IR = 0.24 x 12 = 2.88 V.

14. Judge the equivalent resistance when the following are connected in
parallel:

(a) 1 Ω and 106 Ω

(b) 1 Ω, 103 Ω and 106 Ω

Solution :

When the resistances are joined in parallel, the resultant resistance in parallel
arrangement is given by:

1/R = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3

(a) 1/R = 1/1+ 1/106 = 1+ 10-6

R=1Ω

(b) 1/R = 1/1 + 1/103 + 1/106 = 1 + 10-3 + 10-6

R= 1 Ω

15. An electric lamp of 100 Ω, a toaster of resistance 50 Ω and a water filter of

resistance 500 Ω are connected in parallel to a 220 V source. What is the
resistance of an electric iron connected to the same source that takes as much
current as all three appliances, and what is the current through it?

Solution :

Here, voltage (V) = 220 V

R1 = 100 Ω, R2 = 50 Ω and R3 = 500 Ω

1/R = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 —–

1/R = 1/100+1/50 +1/500 = 16/500

R = 500/16 = 31.25 Ω

The resistance of electric iron, which draws as much current as all three appliances
take together = R = 31.25 Ω.

Current passing through electric iron (I) = V/R = 220/31.25 = 7.04 A.

16. What are the advantages of connecting electrical devices in parallel with
the battery instead of connecting them in series?

Solution : Advantage of connecting electrical devices in parallel with the battery are
as follows:
(i) Voltage across each connecting electrical device is same and device take current
as per its resistance.

(ii) Separate on/off switches can be applied across each device.

(iii) Total resistance in parallel circuit decreases, hence, a great current may be
drawn from cell.

(iv) If one electrical device is damaged; then other devices continue to work properly.

17. How can three resistors of resistance 2 Ω, 3 Ω and 6 Ω be connected to

give a total resistance of (a) 4 Ω (b) 1 Ω?

Solution :

(a) If we connect resistance of 3 Ω and 6 Ω in parallel and then resistance of 2 Ω is

connected in series of the combination, then total resistance of combination is 4 Ω.

(b) If all the three resistance are joined in parallel the resultant resistance will be 1 Ω.

18. What is (a) the highest, (b) the lowest total resistance that can be secured
by combination of four resistances of 4 Ω, 8 Ω, 12 Ω and 24 Ω?
Solution :

(a) To obtain highest resistance, all the four resistances must be connected in series
arrangement. In that case resultant R = R1 + R2 + R3

= 4+8+12 48 Ω

(b) To obtain lowest resistance, all the four resistance must be connected in parallel
arrangement. 1/R = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3
= 1/4 +1/8 +1/12 + 1/24 = 12/24 Ω

= 24/12 = 2 Ω

19. Why does the cord of an electric heater not glow while the heating element
does?

Solution : Cord of heater and electric heater are joined in series and carry same
current when joined to voltage source. As resistance of cord is extremely small as
compared to that of heater element. hence, heat produced is extremely small in cord
but much larger in heater element. So, the heating element begins to glow but cord
does not glow.

20. Compute the heat generated while transferring 96000 coulomb of charge in
one hour through a potential difference of 50 V.

Solution :

Charge transferred (Q) = 96000 C, time = 1 hour = 60 x 60 = 3600 s and potential

difference (V) = 50 V.

Heat generated (H) = VIt = V.Q = 50 x 96000 = 4800000 j = 4.8 x 10 6 j.

21. An electric iron of resistance 20 takes a current of 5 A. Calculate the heat

developed in 30 s.

Solution :

Resistance of electric iron (R) = 20 Ω, current (I) = 5 A and time = 30 s.

Heat generated (H) = I2Rt = 52 x 20 x 30 = 15000 j.

22. What determines the rate at which energy is delivered by a current?

Solution : Electric power determines the rate at which energy is delivered by a

current.

23. An electric motor takes 5 A from a 220 V line. Determine the power of the
motor and energy consumed in 2 h.

Solution :
It is given that current drawn by electric motor (I) = 5 A. the line voltage V = 220 V
time (t) = 2 h.

Power of motor (P) = P = VI = 220 x 5 = 1100 W and the energy consumed (E) = Pt

1100 W x 2 h = 2200 Wh or 2.2 kWh.

24. A piece of wire of resistance R is cut into five equal parts. These parts are
then connected in parallel. If the equivalent resistance of this combination is
R’, then the ratio R/R’ is:

(a) 1/25 (b) 1/5 (c) 5 (d) 25 Solution : (d) 25

25. Which of the following terms does not represent electrical power in a
circuit?
(a) I2R (b) IR2 (c) VI (d) V2/R Solution : (b) IR2

26. An electric bulb is rated 220 V and 100 W. When it is operated on 110 V, the
power consumed will be:

(a) 100 W (b) 75 W (c) 50 W (d) 25 W Solution : (d) 25 W

27. Two conducting wires of the same material and of equal lengths and equal
diameters are first connected in series and then parallel in a circuit across the
same potential difference. The ratio of heat produced in series and parallel
combination would be:

(a) 1:2 (b) 2:1 (c) 1:4 (d) 4:1 Solution : (c) 1:4

28. How is a voltmeter connected in the circuit to measure the potential

difference between two points?

Solution : A voltmeter is always connected in parallel to resistance across the point

between which the potential difference is to be measured.

29. A copper wire has diameter 0.5 mm and resistivity of 1.6 x 10 -8 m. what will
be the length of this wire to make its resistance 10? How much does the
resistance change if the diameter is doubled?
Solution :

Diameter of wire (d) = 0.5 mm, resistivity (ρ) 1.6 x 10-8 Ωm, resistance (R) = 10 Ω.

R = ρL/A

L= πD2R/4ρ

= 22 x (5 x 10-4)2/ 7 x 4 x 1.6 x 10-8 = 122.5 m

If the diameter is doubled for given length of given material resistance is inversely
proportional to the cross-section area of wire.

30. The value of current I flowing in a given resistor for the corresponding
values of potential difference V across the resistor are given below:

Plot a graph between V and I and calculate the resistance of that resistor.

Solution : From the given data the I-V graph is a straight line as shown below:

The slope of the line gives the value of Resistance(R) as,

Slope = 1/R = BC/AC = 2/6.8

R = 6.8/2 = 3.4 Ω

Therefore,the resistance of register is 3.4Ω.

31. When a 12 v battery is connected across an unknown resistor, there is a

current of 2.5 mA in the circuit. Find the value of the resistance of the resistor.

Solution :
Voltage of battery = V = 12 V, Current (I) = 2.5 mA = 2.5 x 10 -3 A

Resistance (R) = V/I = 12V/ 2.5 x 10-3 A = 4800 Ω.

32. A battery of 9 V is connected in series with resistance of 0.2 Ω, 0.3 Ω, 0.4 Ω,

0.5 Ω and 12 Ω respectively. How much current would flow through the 12
resistor?

Solution :

Potential difference (V) = 9 V.

Total resistance (R) = R1+ R2+ R3+R4 +R5

= 0.2 +0.3 + 0.5 + 0.5 + 12 = 13.4 Ω

Current in the circuit (I) = V/R = 9 V / 13. 4 Ω = 0.67 A.

In series circuit same current flows through all the resistance, hence current of 0.67
A will flow through 12 Ω resistor.

33. How many 176 Ω resistors (in parallel) are required to carry 5 A on a 220 V
line?

Solution :

Let a resistor of 176 Ω are joined in parallel. Then their combined resistance (R)

1/R = 1/176 + 1/176 …… times = n/176 or R = 176/n Ω

It is given that V= 220 V and I = 5 A

R = V/I or 176/n = 220/5 = 44 Ω

n = 176/44 = 4, 4 resistors should be joined in parallel.

34. Show how you would connect three resistors, each of resistance 6 Ω so
that the combination has resistance of (i) 9 Ω (ii) 4 Ω.

Solution :

It is given here that R1 = R2 = 6 Ω.

(i) To get net resistance of 9 Ω we should join three resistors as below:

(ii) To get 4 Ω net resistance we should join three resistors as below:

35. Several electric bulbs designed to be used on a 220 V electric supply line,
are rated 10 W. How many lamps can be connected in parallel with each other
across the two wires of 220 V line if the maximum allowable current is 5 A?

Solution :

Each bulb is rated as 10 W, 220 V, It draws a current (I) = P/V = 10 W/220 V

= 1/22 A.

As the maximum allowable current is 5 A and all lamps are connected in parallel,
hence maximum number of bulbs joined in parallel with each other = 5 x 22 = 110.

36. A hot plate of an electric oven connected to a 220 V line has two resistance
coils A and B. Each of 24 Ω resistances, which may be used separately, in
series or in parallel. What are the currents in the three cases?

Solution :

It is given that potential difference (V) = 220 V.

Resistance of coil (A) = Resistance of coil (B) = 24 Ω

(i) When either coil is used separately, the circuit (I) = V/R = 220 V/ 24 Ω

= 9.2 A.

(ii) When two coils are used in series total resistance (R)

= R1 + R2 = 24 +24 = 48 Ω

Current flowing (I) = V/ R = 220 V/ 48 Ω = 4.6 A.

(iii) When two coils are joined in parallel. Total resistance (R) = 1/24 + 1/24

= 2/24, R = 12 Ω.

Current (I) = V/R = 220 V / 12 Ω = 18.3 A.

37. Compare the power used in the 2 Ω resistor in each of the following
circuits:

(i) a 6-volt battery in series with 1 Ω and 2 Ω resistors and,

(ii) a 4 V battery in parallel with 12 Ω and Ω resistors.

Solution :

(i) When a 2 Ω resistor is joined t a 6 V battery in series with 1 Ω and 2 Ω resistors.

Total resistance (R) = 2 + 1 + 2 = 5 Ω.

Current (I) = 6 V/5 Ω = 1.2 A

Power used in 2 A resistor = I2R = 2.88 W

(ii) When 2 Ω resistor is joined to a 4 V battery in parallel with 12 Ω resistor and 2 Ω

resistors, the current flowing in 2 Ω = 4 V/ 2 Ω = 2 A/.

Power used in 2 Ω resistor = I2R = 8 W

Ratio = 2.88/8 = 0.36: 1.

38. Two lamps, one rated 100 W at 220 V, and the other 60 W at 220 V are
connected in parallel to electric mains supply. What current is drawn from the
line if the supply voltage is 220 V?

Current drawn by 1st lamp rated 100 W at 220 V = P/V = 100/ 220 = 5/11 A.

Current drawn by 2nd lamp rated 60 W at 220 V = 60/220 = 3/11 A.

In parallel arrangement the total current = I1 +I2 = 3/11+ 5/11 = 8/11 = 0.73 A.

39. Which uses more energy, a 250 W TV set in 1 hour, or a 1200 W toaster in
10 minutes?

Energy used by a TV set of power 250 W in 1 hour = P x t = 250 Wh.

Energy used by toaster of power 1200 W in 10 minute (10/60 h)

= P x t = 1200 W x 10/60 h = 200 Wh.

40. An electric heater of resistance 8 draws 15 A from the service mains for 2
hours. Calculate the rate at which heat is developed in the heater.
Resistance of electric heater (R) = 8 Ω, current (I) = 15 A.

Rate at which heat developed in the heater = I2Rt/t = 15 x 15 x 8 = 1800 W.

41. Explain the following:

(a) Why is the tungsten used almost exclusively for filament of electric lamps?

(b) Why are the conductors of electric heating devices, such as bread-toasters and
electric irons, made of an alloy rather than a pure metal?

(c) Why is the series arrangement not used for domestic circuits?

(d) How does the resistance of wire vary with its area of cross-section?

(e) Why are copper and aluminium wires usually employed for electric transmission?

Solution

(a) For filament of electric lamp we require a strong metal with high melting point.
Tungsten is used exclusively for filament of electric lamps because its melting point
is extremely high.

(b) Conductors of electric heating devices are made of an alloy rather than a pure
metal due to high resistivity than pure metal and high melting point to avoid getting
oxidized at high temperature.

(c) Series arrangement is not used for domestic circuits as current to all appliances
remain same in spite of different resistance and every appliance cannot be switched
on/ off independently.

(d) Resistance of a wire is inversely proportional to its cross-section area.

(e) Copper and aluminium wires are usually employed for electricity transmission
because they are good conductor with low resistivity. They are ductile also to be
drawn into thin wires.